NEW DELHI, February 15 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide citizenship pathways and long-term visa relief for Sri Lankan Tamils who have been residing in the state for decades.
In a post on X, Stalin called for a “humane legal solution” for Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu, stating that many had arrived in India with the approval of the Government of India and should not be treated as illegal immigrants.
“Hon’ble @PMOIndia Thiru. @NarendraModi, please provide a humane legal solution for Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu for decades by enabling citizenship pathways, granting long-term visa relief, and removing administrative barriers that keep them in legal uncertainty,” Stalin wrote.
He said 40% of these Sri Lankan Tamils were “born on our soil” and urged the central government to provide citizenship to them.
“Honourable Prime Minister, Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu came here with the support and approval of the Government of India. They have been living on Indian soil for over 30 years. Furthermore, 40% of them were born on our soil,” he wrote. “Therefore, they should not be considered illegal immigrants. The Government of India must come forward to provide legal solutions, including citizenship, for them,” he added.
The chief minister also outlined specific requests to the Union government, including rescinding earlier administrative instructions, waiving passport and visa requirements, delegating powers to district-level authorities and formally clarifying the legal status of registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals sheltered in India up to January 9, 2015.
“I request the Union Government to consider rescinding earlier administrative instructions that bar consideration of citizenship applications from Sri Lankan Tamils; issuing an executive clarification waiving passport and visa requirements, where appropriate, for the purpose of citizenship or long-term visa applications based on verified identity documentation issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu; delegating appropriate powers to designated district-level authorities for streamlined processing; and formally clarifying the legal status of registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals sheltered in India up to 9 January 2015,” Stalin said.
Earlier Saturday, Stalin reflected on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s electoral successes and expressed confidence about the party’s prospects in the upcoming state Assembly elections.
Addressing party workers at a booth agents’ conference in Tirupathur, he urged them to work diligently and inform the public about the government’s schemes and policies to secure victory in 200 constituencies.
“Since 2019, the DMK has been securing victory after victory. I urge party workers to work with determination to ensure success in the upcoming elections as well. If each functionary ensures at least 50 votes, the party can secure victory in 200 constituencies. Go door-to-door to convey the government’s achievements and discuss them even at tea shops,” he said.
Stalin reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continuing welfare measures and development initiatives for the people of Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
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